พระอาจารย์อธิบายว่าใจเป็นธาตุสำเร็จ กำหนดแผ่เมตตาไปที่ใดก็สว่างที่นั่นได้ทันทีไม่ว่าไกลแค่ไหน ส่วนการอาราธนาครูบาอาจารย์ก่อนไปเป็นเพราะท่านเข้าถึงพระรัตนตรัยที่เปี่ยมด้วยปัญญาธิคุณ บริสุทธิคุณ และมหากรุณาธิคุณ ท่านจึงช่วยเหลือเราได้อย่างแท้จริงThe teacher explains that the mind is an "accomplishing element" — spreading loving-kindness toward any place makes it shine there instantly, however far away. Inviting our teachers beforehand matters because they have reached a Triple Gem overflowing with wisdom, purity, and boundless compassion, and so can genuinely help us.
A student asked why monks invite their late great teachers before going anywhere, and whether a layperson can simply spread on their own — why is inviting the teachers still necessary?
The Mind Is an Accomplishing Element — Loving-Kindness Reaches Any Place Instantly
The teacher explained that the mind is an accomplishing element — however we set it, that is what comes to be. Loving-kindness () is an instrument of nature, appearing as a bright, round sphere; wherever we direct our attention, it shines there instantly, like a spotlight. But loving-kindness goes further still — no matter the distance, even without knowing exactly where someone is, the moment we think of them, the mind appears there, shining brightly, instantly. Once loving-kindness is held within our heart, we can direct it to shine on a particular person, or spread it broadly along the entire path of a journey we are about to take.
Why We Invite Our Teachers
The teacher explained that our teachers have reached a deeply refined Triple Gem, of vast power, overflowing with three qualities: boundless wisdom, boundless , and boundless compassion. Through their compassion, they never refuse to help; through their wisdom, they know precisely how to help correctly; and through their purity, which carries great power, they are truly able to resolve our difficulties. When we think of them and ask for help, they help. The bond between student and teacher is thus one of mutual support — their mission becomes ours, and whatever we can do to care for and support them, we should. This mutual support continues across every lifetime, for as long as our faith in them endures.
Spreading Loving-Kindness and Asking Our Teachers for Help Are Two Different Mechanisms
When asked further whether spreading loving-kindness relates to appeasing forest and mountain spirits, the teacher explained that when we cultivate loving-kindness, the bright sphere that arises dissolves small irritations — traces of unwholesomeness — within that being's mind, making it easier for their own wholesome nature to take charge. The wholesome nature then guides them to feel goodwill in return and to help us along our way. Asking our teachers for help works through a different mechanism: our request resonates at the center of their being, and their boundless compassion directs their own wholesome forces to find a way to help us. The two methods work differently, but both can be used together — spreading loving-kindness toward others, and inviting our teachers' help.